Acanthus spinosus

Spiny Acanthus, Bear's Breeches

WhatsApp
A robust Mediterranean perennial featuring deeply lobed, spiny leaves and tall spikes of violet or white flowers. A classic ornamental specimen valued for its architectural foliage.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Half-shade / Sun pets Not pet-safe
info

Plant Details

Common Name Spiny Acanthus, Bear's Breeches
Family Acanthaceae
Genus Acanthus
Species Spinosus
Origin Mediterranean Basin
Blooming Summer flowering spikes emerge from a basal rosette
Leaf Color Dark green with silver veins
Sunlight Half-shade / Sun
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Rich, well-drained loamy soil with good organic matter and slightly alkaline pH

water_drop
Watering

Moderate watering during growing season; allow topsoil to dry between waterings. Reduce in winter dormancy.

light_mode
Sunlight & Care

Full sun to partial shade; requires bright light for robust foliage development

science
Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before flowering cycle begins

content_cut
Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks post-bloom; cut back foliage in late autumn if cold winters expected

Pest Control Aphid Slug Snail Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

calendar_month

Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 3 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
23° – 95°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
water_drop
Humidity
25% – 70%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
light_mode
Light (LUX)
2500 – 35000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
wb_sunny
Light (PAR)
100 – 2500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
15% – 60%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
bolt
Soil EC
350 – 2000
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

Related Plants

You might also like these plants

Browse All ›
Acanthus ilicifolius
parkOutdoor plants
Acanthus ilicifolius

Hedgehog Acanthus

account_treeAcanthaceae location_onAustralia

info Price unavailable

Acanthus mollis
parkOutdoor plants
Acanthus mollis

Bear's Breeches, Oyster Plant

account_treeAcanthaceae location_onMediterranean Europe / North Africa

info Price unavailable

Eranthemum pulchellum
parkOutdoor plants
account_treeAcanthaceae location_onIndia, Southeast Asia

info Price unavailable

Leucophyllum frutescens
parkOutdoor plants
account_treeAcanthaceae location_onSouthwestern USA / Mexico

from $32
check_circleIn Stock
yard3-4 in
favorite